Pro-gamer Vin Chew talks to Amalina Kamal about his passion in eSports and what the future holds.

HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED GAMING? HOW DID YOU GET INTO E-SPORTS?I have played FIFA (the game) for 14 years and have been competing for the same number of years. I started going into eSports after I joined the World Cyber Games qualifier (also called eSports Olympics), held in a cybercafe which was near my hostel back in those days. I met my mentor, Nigel Goh, who introduced me to a FIFA clan, W|nDs, where I practised with fellow gaming enthusiasts.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST GAME AND WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE?It was FIFA 2004. My current favourite is FIFA ONLINE 3.

WHAT IS SO GREAT ABOUT ESPORTS AND HOW HAS TECHNOLOGY HELPED PEOPLE EMBRACE IT?Esports was initially very casual but eSports made it competitive. Top-quality gamers who were never into competitive gaming are now encouraged to join in and expand the network.

As technology improves, in particular broadband speed and connection stability, eSports can be held internationally – using online qualifiers as a means to widen the possibilities for gamers from less convenient regions (smaller cities) to participate.

WHAT ARE THE PRACTICE ROUTINES LIKE FOR AN ESPORTS ATHLETE?Drills (in-game) and regular physical exercise. Normally I’ll have intensive training with a group of friends weeks before each tournament in order to hone my attacking and defending skills. Usually, I will watch my opponent’s replays and then come out with a strategy to attack his weaknesses.

HOW BIG IS THE VIRTUAL GAMING COMMUNITY WORLDWIDE?Esports is a thriving industry. Some countries are more advanced than most, especially the US, Korea, Japan and those in Europe. eSports in Malaysia is still developing. Hopefully, it will catch up with these eSports nations. I also wish that eSports will one day be listed as an Olympics sport.

HOW CAN ESPORTS CHANGE THE WORLD?The field has blossomed in recent years. It has become increasingly popular and tournaments are now being hosted in huge stadiums/halls with millions of online viewers. This has resulted in companies (a.k.a. sponsors) coming up with more innovative marketing strategies.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR MOST RECENT EXPLOIT?I took part in the Intercontinental 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand. There were 10 players from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, the US, Russia and China. It was definitely one of the most competitive International FO3 tournaments. The prize pool was worth THB1,000,000 (about RM128,000). It was a great honour to represent Malaysia again.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS A PROFESSIONAL GAMER?It's every player's dream to win as many tournaments as they can and make the nation proud. I also hope to do my best for my club (eMaster Electronic Sport Club), fans, friends and family who have been supporting me throughout my journey.